Paypal to block Safari browser

Two months ago, Paypal’s Chief Information Security Officer recommends everyone who has a Paypal account to avoid using Apple’s Safari browser. They claim that the Safari browser is still way behind in security features compared to latest versions of Internet Explorer and Firefox.

Under PayPal’s plan, Apple Inc.’s Safari would be banned completely, while only older versions of its rivals — Microsoft Corp.’s Internet Explorer and Mozilla Corp.’s Firefox — would be barred.

PayPal spelled out the idea in a paper (download PDF) released at last week’s RSA Conference. “It’s critical to not only warn users about unsafe browsers, but also to disallow older and insecure browsers,” said Michael Barrett, PayPal’s chief information security officer, in the paper. “Letting users view the PayPal site on one of these browsers is equal to a car manufacturer allowing drivers to buy one of their vehicles without seatbelts.”

Safari browser doesn’t make PayPal’s list of recommended browsers because it doesn’t have two important anti-phishing security features, according to Michael Barrett, PayPal’s chief information security officer.

His recommendation to customers is use Internet Explorer 7 or 8 when it comes out, or Firefox 2 or Firefox 3, and even Opera. Paypal and eBay are among the most popular sites that are always being targeted on phishing scams. With 140 millions users worldwide, Paypal is looking hard to protect its customers.